According to a recent report, jihadist violence saw significant increases in both Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo during the past year. Notably, Nigeria experienced the world's largest rise in terrorism-related deaths, escalating by 46% from 513 in 2024 to 750 fatalities in 2025. Nigeria now ranks fourth in the Global Terrorism Index, following Pakistan, Burkina Faso, and Niger, highlighting the severe security challenges the country faces in tackling extremist violence.

The surge in jihadist activity is a part of a broader security crisis in Nigeria, which is facing a multitude of threats from groups like Boko Haram and its offshoots. These extremist organizations are aggressively attempting to seize control of territories, complicating the already volatile situation. In addition to jihadist groups, various ethnic militias and criminal factions, known as 'bandits,' are deeply involved in Nigeria's north and central regions, further undermining stability and safety for the populace. Furthermore, newer terrorist groups, such as the Lakurawa, are emerging, indicating a worrying trend of escalating extremist activity.

In a particularly brutal incident, February saw the massacre of 162 individuals in Kwara state, marking one of the deadliest attacks in Nigeria's recent history. This incident underscores the urgent need for effective security measures and strategies to combat the rising tide of violence, especially as the global trend shows a decrease in terror-related deaths. As the military and government grapple with these pressing challenges, the implications of this violence extend beyond national borders, affecting regional stability and security throughout Africa.